Bills Pull A Stunner; Take QB Manuel With 16th Pick In First Round

Some are stunned, others love the pick, but no matter, you probably have an opinion about the Bills first round pick of Thrusday’s NFL Draft – Florida St. QB E.J. Manuel.

The Bills took him with the 16th overall pick after trading with the Rams for the 8th pick earlier in the evening. Manuel was highly productive for Florida State, and there’s no doubt he has the physical tools and character/intangibles to be a successful NFL starter.

However, he must do a better job with his footwork/stride in order to throw accurately every time.

Additionally, while he usually does an excellent job of going through progressions while in pocket, he needs to avoid stopping during progressions and staring down his primary receiver in order to keep defensive backs from making as many plays on his passes.

Although Manuel’s Pro Day was not stellar, he showed a very strong arm, but was high and outside on a number of passes which forced his receivers to adjust to make tough catches.

Manuel was the most accurate passer at Florida State, where he completed nearly 67 percent of his passes. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 237 pounds, Manuel has a strong arm, is mobile and went 25-6 in four years with the Seminoles.

Now he will be expected to come in and compete with the Bills for the QB job. A position that is still very much up for grabs for a Bills team in transition. I don’t know about you, but I’ve got my eye on him for a few of my fantasy football leagues.